Water Flows and Coastal Ecosytems
One of biggest factors promoting the diversity of coastal ocean life is how fast the water flows, according to new research by scientists at Brown University.
Excavation to begin on Dauphin Island berm
A 4-mile-long stretch of shore-side berm on Dauphin Island’s public beach, built earlier this summer, using money received from BP, will be now knocked down and cleaned as part of an effort to improve the aesthetic value of the beach.
EPA Tells Coastal States to Consider Rising Ocean Acidity
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says some states with coastal waters that are becoming more acidic because of carbon dioxide, should list them as impaired.
Parts of Los Angeles County ban plastic bags
Parts of Los Angeles County have joined other California communities in banning stores from using single-use plastic bags.
Caribbean Reef Ecosystems May Not Survive Repeated Stress
Coral reefs suffered now record losses as a consequence of high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean in 2005, according to the most comprehensive documentation of basin-scale bleaching to date.
Record number of British beaches reach highest European standards
The number of blue flag beaches in England fell from 82 in 2008 to 71 last year, largely as a result of detritus and pollution. However, 86.2% of beaches (425) in England and Wales meet higher guideline standards this year, a huge increase from previous figures.
Rare Cold Water Coral Discovered off the Coast of Mauritania
A rare cold water coral reef has been discovered off the coast of Mauritania in Northern Africa, the first time such a reef has been found this far south.
Oceania’s seafaring ancients make journey to Paris
The Quai Branly museum of tribal arts in Paris is hosting what is being billed as the first ever comprehensive exhibition on the Lapita peoples’ artefacts and history. Lapita’s settlements were universally located on beach terraces, or on stilt houses situated over reefs, lagoons, and open sea with direct access to the ocean.
Enormous Levels of Illegal Turtle Harvesting on Beaches, Madagascar
The study is the first direct assessment of the level of exploitation of turtles in Madagascar. Similar harvests exist in many countries in the tropical coastal developing world, so this isn’t an isolated issue, but clearly it is a cause for concern when dealing with endangered species.